Universalis

Saturday 17 March 2007

Laetare Sunday

Having been complimented on my liturgical dress sense in my posting on 2 March, I have been given the confidence to post this photo!

The Fourth Sunday in Lent is Laetare (Rejoicing) Sunday, and for one day the usual solemn colour of purple (which we associate with this season) gives way to the more cheerful colour of rose.

Rose vestments are a bit of a luxury, as they are only worn on two days a year (Advent 3 and Lent 4), but we like to do things properly in the Chapel of the Resurrection! The rose vestments remind us that we should never take ourselves too seriously!

The first preface of Lent expresses so well our need to rejoice, even in this solemn season:

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Each year you give us this joyful season
when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery
with mind and heart renewed.
You give us a spirit of loving reverence for you, our Father,
and of willing service to our neighbour.

As we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ,
you bring the image of your Son to perfection within us.

Now, with angels and archangels,
and the whole company of heaven,
we sing the unending hymn of your praise:

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes very fetching Peter as we saw later in the day.

Peter Simpson said...

Thanks, Liz. It is good to know that one can help by lending vestments to poorer parishes such as Westminster Cathedral!

John the organist said...

Tee hee! Only a rose?